Saints turn radio jockey in Bihar

People across the country tune in to FM radios to catch popular music. But in a remote corner of Bihar, people have become ardent listeners to spiritual teachings, broadcast not from radio station, but a poverty-stricken saint community that vows to enlighten the society.


In Bhagalpur, Bihar, Sant Gyanmukh Ashhram through its makeshift FM station broadcasts programs on spirituality and even spearheads an anti-dowry campaign.


“The holy men here broadcast good programmes. They tell us about good deeds and positive thoughts,” says Pappu, a local villager who begins his day by listening to this local FM channel.


Though the channel doesn’t have a license, it has become immensely popular among the locals. “They sing about the evils of dowry system. Everybody listens to the programmes with joy. We learn a lot,” says Yogendra Prasad, villager.



The ashram authorities say they are trying to enlighten the locals. “Our elected representatives look for a chance to take advantage of people. We educate people about their rights and duties to protect them from harm,” said Yogesh Gyan Swarup, Saint.


With this local initiative, the ashram plans to catch up with big-time saints like Asha Ram Bapu. And for the locals, it’s good music to the ears.